A giant metal pencil piercing the sky That’s the Sender Flensburg. For decades it has stood sentinel on the Fuchsberg a quiet giant broadcasting news and entertainment across the region.
The Sender Flensburg is more than just a radio and television transmitter. It’s a testament to the evolution of communication technology in Flensburg. Its history echoes the city’s own vibrant past. From its humble beginnings as a simple four-pronged antenna in Jürgensby to its current state-of-the-art facility.
In 1928 the original Mittelwellensender in Jürgensby began operation. This initial setup was quite modest. Two 60-meter tall wooden towers supported a 25-meter long antenna. The power was a mere 500 watts. In 1934 the power was boosted to 3000 watts. This early Sender Flensburg played a crucial role during World War II. Incredibly it remained operational even as the war raged. On May 1 1945 the final broadcast from Berlin announced Hitler’s death. This was a blatant lie. Hitler had actually committed suicide on April 30. Then came the momentous announcement of unconditional surrender on May 7 1945. Lutz von Schwerin-Krosigk delivered the news from a temporary studio at the old post office in Flensburg. The very next day Karl Dönitz reiterated the surrender announcement.
The original wooden towers were replaced in 1935 by a 90-meter tall wooden tower. Nicknamed the “Eiffelturm” because of its resemblance to the iconic Parisian landmark it too became a pivotal communication hub.
Then came the “Bleistift” or “Pencil”. This was a 216-meter tall guyed mast erected in 1957. Its imposing silhouette dominated the eastern cityscape. Unfortunately falling ice from the mast posed a danger to residents. The expansion possibilities were limited. The mast was eventually dismantled in 1990.
The current Sender Flensburg built in 1988 is the result of technological advancements and safety concerns. Situated three kilometers east of the old location on the Fuchsberg hill this new tower stands 215 meters tall. It is a grounded structure with a long-wire antenna for medium-wave transmissions. It broadcasts not only German programs but also Danish ones reaching areas previously shadowed by the landscape.
On January 13 2015 the NDR switched off its medium-wave transmitters including the Sender Flensburg. The tower continues its vital role broadcasting digital radio and television signals ensuring the flow of information to Flensburg and beyond. The Sender Flensburg’s legacy spans from wartime announcements to modern digital broadcasts. It is a powerful symbol of technological progress and unwavering communication.